Artist Perfectly Illustrates How Adults Indoctrinate Boys Into Being Sexist Through Regular Interactions Everyday
Children learn whatever we teach them, so we're pretty much responsible for how they turn out, a good upbringing molds a child into a good human being and a bad upbringing is the number one source of all problems in this world.
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All adults should aspire to be good role models, a positive role model serves as an example that inspires children toward meaningful lives, but on the other hand, any bad or toxic behavior in front of children can have a very negative impact on them.
Raising a child is a continuous process, adults need to constantly monitor their behavior and make sure they don't accidentally teach their child something toxic, like for example sexism.
People and specifically boys aren't born sexist, adults indoctrinate them into being sexist through various daily interactions, they tell their sons that certain things are for "girls" and they make it seem like it's shameful to use or wear something that is meant for girls.
Artist Damian Alexander decided to address this topic through his beautiful illustrations where he perfectly explains how adults encourage sexism every day without even realizing it.
You can't have it because "that's for girls"
Damian said “Growing up, my favourite character was Matilda. She was so smart, and I related to her feeling out of place in her family.” “The telekinesis thing was also really exciting for me. Then there’s Anne of Green Gables, Hermione from Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Mulan, and so many more. I think it’s because girl characters tend to use creative problem solving instead of outright violence, and I found that a lot more engaging.” in an interview with Bored Panda.
You're not even allowed to relate to female characters...
He also added that: “If I wanted a doll or something though, they’d direct me toward an action figure. “
He would've chosen that from the beginning if that's what he wanted.
“Boys in my family would also turn up their nose if I wanted to play as Princess Peach in Super Smash Bros.”
As if it really matters that much.
He also insisted on the fact that “A lot of men undervalue women and see them as less than.”
It's not bad at all, people need to start seeing that.
“Probably because we have this toxic cycle of telling little boys they can’t admire women, and then having them grow up to disrespect women.”
Any admirable person is worth admiring, regardless of their gender.
“A lot of parents also think if their son likes girl characters, he’ll suddenly turn gay even though that’s not how that works at all.”
It's obviously way more complicated than that
“Just let kids like what they like.”
We don't have to forcefully involve ourselves in these things because they don't really matter to us, but they do matter to kids.